IONOS Selects Sectigo as Its Digital Certificate Authority Partner

IONOS, a global web hosting and cloud service provider, has chosen Sectigo as its exclusive digital certificate authority. The expanded partnership allows IONOS to offer Sectigo’s advanced Certificate Lifecycle Management (CLM) and security solutions to its global customer base of over six million users.

As the official public certificate provider for IONOS, Sectigo will handle all certificate needs – including SSL/TLS, eIDAS, and S/MIME certificates – through a centralized platform and unified API. This makes it easier for customers to obtain, renew, and manage their certificates.

“Our partnership with Sectigo enriches our certificate management, offering our global customers a reliable and resilient certificate management solution to enhance their digital security needs and strengthen their online presence,” Achim Weiss, chief executive officer at IONOS said in a press release.

The collaboration also positions IONOS and its network of 10 international brands – including STRATO, Fasthosts, and home.pl – for the industry shift toward shorter certificate lifecycles. Google is planning to cut the maximum lifespan of public SSL/TLS certificates from 398 days to just 90 days. The goal is to improve security and limit risks tied to compromised or misissued certificates.

Although the change was expected in 2024, Google has yet to enforce the new validity period. In the meantime, IONOS is helping customers prepare by offering Sectigo’s automated certificate management tools to simplify the transition and maintain website security and compliance.

IONOS is also advising customers to replace any DigiCert seals or logos from its previous SSL partner to the new Sectigo seals following their next certificate renewal.

Along with digital certificates, IONOS customers can now access Sectigo’s wider range of security solutions. These services are designed to meet European requirements and include multi-language support as well as streamlined reporting and billing tools for businesses operating across multiple brands.

The need for digital certificates is growing as small and medium-sized businesses accelerate their digital transformation. Many are optimistic about using AI to streamline operations and improve security, according to a recent IONOS survey on Americans’ attitudes toward AI.

With its partnership with Sectigo, IONOS aims to simplify certificate management and help businesses adapt to shorter certificate lifespans. The collaboration also supports organizations as they prepare for post-quantum security and work to reduce the risk of service disruptions caused by expired certificates.